Ford 3.8 Questions

[lamogo33]

If this doesn't belong here, I apologize. This is an engine swap question refering to Fords, and many of you seem to know your Ford stuff I hope you can help.

I have a 52 Ford Tudor sedan that has a tired 215 that has some blow by and raw oil coming from the exhaust. I also am aware these older inline sixes have a tendency to let go while driving long distances at modern highway speeds. Suffice to say, I'm pondering engine swap. I'd like a SBF but can't find any in my area.

I have recently come across a 3.8 V6 out of an 83 Cougar. It is carbed, provisions for manual fuel pump, and comparative numbers to my stock 215. Ideally I'd like to keep my original 3spd on the tree. I love the driving experience of classic cars and while the engine comes with a C5, I'd like to leave the rest of my drive train alone. If you are familiar with this era of V6 can I

-Buy an 83 F100 3.8 flywheel and pressure plate and have a balanced engine?
-Buy a bell housing that mates to the 3.8 (SBF bell housing) and the original 3 speed, or will I need an adapter?

[Ranchero50]

From '83 it's an absolute garbage engine. About the bottom of the barrel. Now find a decent super coupe and you'd get props getting the blown 3.8 installed. Still, shoe box deserves a V8

[lamogo33]

From '83 it's an absolute garbage engine. About the bottom of the barrel. Now find a decent super coupe and you'd get props getting the blown 3.8 installed. Still, shoe box deserves a V8

Thanks for the input. I'd have to agree but finding that kind of stuff where I live is pretty hard. Klamath Falls is the nearest junk yard and they are 100 miles away and in a small town. If money was no object I'd just buy a crate from Summit and pick it up from there warehouse. Just trying to work around my current budget and parts availability hahaha. I'm also not really in need of performance, just want a reliable cruiser I can trust at highway speeds and find parts when out of town.

[Ranchero50]

Then find an OD transmission or lower rear gears. My 2.79 C4 combo doesn't scream at 65-70 mph with a 289 but it's much happier at 55 mph.

[ultraranger]

I don't know what the block-to-transmission pattern is on a 215 to know what the transmission bellhousing pattern is.

The 3.8L (231cu in) engine has the same block/bellhousing pattern as the 'Windsor' bell pattern (late 289/302/351W/351C).

[lamogo33]

I don't know what the block-to-transmission pattern is on a 215 to know what the transmission bellhousing pattern is.

The 3.8L (231cu in) engine has the same block/bellhousing pattern as the 'Windsor' bell pattern (late 289/302/351W/351C).

Thanks. Yeah the bell housing between the two is different. I'm worried about the other end. My 3 spd to the bell housing. That's the one I'm looking at to know.